The W is a small hotel placed near Diamond Head and is a 15 minute walk to Waikiki beach. The hotel has an old charm that is reflected in its old structure. There is no pool or workout center, but they do have a great restaurant on the second floor. The room is a little larger than a standard room with a narrow bathroom and a shower stall. Overall design of the room was clean and contemporary. Main lanai had a view of Diamond Head on the left and a parking structure in the front, while the other lanai was a view of two large condos or hotels. It’s a few minutes’ walk to the beach, towels and chairs are provided. The area of this older hotel is quiet and peaceful compared to Waikiki. The hotel is small enough where the valet and the bellman is the same person. The staff was friendly and hospitable. Breakfast and dinner at the restaurant was excellent (reasonable prices) unfortunately they are not open for lunch. You will receive a complementary pass from the hotel, if you like to exercise in the morning; it will take you 15 minutes to the nearest 24 fitness center. Music can be heard in the restaurant during the evening on Friday and Saturday from our room on the 5th floor. You can also hear the proverbial beeping sounds from the delivery trucks in the morning. We enjoyed the hotel, but always found ourselves walking to Waikiki to shop or to have lunch. We would have expected a better room at a higher floor as a platinum Starwood member if there were no suites available.
I was later informed that the hotel will be undergoing renovation later in the year.

I do not agree at all with the negative reviews... This hotel is located away from busy Waikiki which is a huge plus. Who goes to Hawaii to see a busy city full of prostitutes? You go to Hawaii to enjoy the nature and peaceful surroundings. And if you want to party, Friday and Saturday nights at the W is the place to party. It is the perfect mix of peaceful enjoyment and a great party scene. You are sure to have a great time. STAY HERE!!!

Comfortable bed, spacious but average room. Balcony rooms with Diamond Head views are a must. Specially during sunrise and the birds chirping. Stay on the top floors.Very clean rooms and nice ammenities. On Fridays and Saturdays their is loud music, a long line a people trying to enter the hotel lobby and loud talking on the street.

Location not so great. While Hawaii is a beach vacation or something like that, the W hotel is awkward because here you are in Hawaii with your bathing suit and sandals walking into a NYC night club. While Kapiolani Park is quite and beautiful with many locals working out, the beach is not the best. It is nestle between the Outrigger Canoe Club , a French Restaurant in the back (weird because you have all these people having dinner while you are sunbathing at the beach) and W guest. With 20 people, the beach is almost full.
Waikiki is at least 15 to 20 minutes away. The walk is nice for the first two days. Although it seems safe at night the walk is very dark and there seems to be homeless people by the beach. Prepare to spend at least $10-12 dollars each way to Waikiki. You will be forced to go into Waikiki if you want to have a nice dinner.

Breakfast-
Try Honolulu Coffee Company by the Moana Surfrider.Breakfast is great and coffee to die for.
House Tree Lanai, next to the W. Outdoor seating by the beach under a huge tree. Try the Coconut and Macadamia nut french toast.



Diamond Head Grill- Very disappointing. While the restaurant staff was extremely nice and helpful the food was overpriced for the quality. The food was closed to grouse level. Really for 30+ dollars in Oahu I expect to have fresh fish. The food presentation and taste was really awful. But we were offered another dish right away which was great.

W Staff (Front Desk)-- The staff was nice. However, some are not really prepared to answer questions that do not regard to the hotel. When asking for a good suggestion to have dinner, they don't really seem to know what you are looking for. I asked for a nice Italian restaurant and the front desk agent said: "I don't know. I don't eat Italian Food" When asked for Hawaiian or Thai food: I don’t know I don't really go out to eat. "Do you drink, go out" he says and I say no and he swings his hand in a slapping motion like saying you are a looser for not drinking.

Taxi drivers would have much more information than the staff at the W. The bellman are a great source as well. They seem to know more about Waikiki then the rest of the staff.

Fun suggestions.
"The Bus" service in Oahu is tremendous. There is plenty of travel information if you are lost or need to get somewhere in the island. If on a budget, there are plenty of tourist taking the local bus service. Incredibly service. You get to see the whole island for 2 dollars.

Haumana Bay is a most. Great for all people. Lost of fish and sea turtles.

Lanikai and Kailua Beach great white sand beach, low surf

Waime Beach Park. High surf, great for spectators. Bring fins, they are required to go in the water. If you are staying in the shore you don't need them. All of the above are very nice sight seeing places to spend a whole day. Beaches are cleaner and clearer.

Overall very nice stay, there are few good places in the island to eat. Restaurant suggestions. Average price 80 dollars for dinner 2 pp.
Matheo's
Beach Side Cafe-- must outdoor seating
A House Without A Key-- must outdoor seating
Duke's- must more affordable
Rum Fire- tapas

Free daily Hula Show at Waikiki beach by Duke's statue.

The first "cool corner room" was surrounded by claustrophobic condos. We changed to one that had a very nice Diamond Head view and partial ocean view, The lobby is small with a wierd assortment of furniture.There was continuous rock n roll music in the lobby, the one elevator and the dining room. It seemed they were trying to be a hip nightclub catering to the 20-30 year olds. I found $400-500/night really overpriced. The dinner at THe Diamond Grill was delicious and definitely the highlight. Complements to the chef. I would return for dinner ONLY.